BARTOW, Fla. (June 7, 2007) – A new travel law means it is taking much longer to process passports. As a result, Congressman Adam Putnam is cautioning his constituents who may be planning foreign travel to make sure their passports are current or to apply for new ones as early as possible.

"We have seen some cases in which it's taken more than three months to get new U.S. passports issued," said Putnam. "It can be extremely frustrating and the delays are interfering with some people's travel plans. With the new passport requirements for travelers between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico, the backlog at the State Department is growing."

Earlier this year, the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect. This law stipulates that "All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable." The requirement will be extended to all travel – including land, sea and ferries – by January 2008.

Representing a Central Florida district that includes most of Polk and parts of Hillsborough and Osceola counties, Putnam's office often helps constituents when their passport applications take longer than expected. But Putnam noted that travelers should take steps themselves by applying early. "I'm urging my constituents to make sure their passports are in order even if their travel plans are months away," said Putnam.

To apply for a passport or to get more information on the passport process, visit the U.S. State Department's Web site at www.travel.state.gov.

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